Dion Dawkins

Last updated

Dion Dawkins
Dion Dawkins.png
Dawkins in 2022
No. 73 – Buffalo Bills
Position: Offensive tackle
Personal information
Born: (1994-04-26) April 26, 1994 (age 30)
Rahway, New Jersey, U.S.
Height:6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:320 lb (145 kg)
Career information
High school: Rahway
College: Temple (2013–2016)
NFL draft: 2017  / round: 2 / pick: 63
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of Week 3, 2024
Games played:115
Games started:109
Receptions:2
Receiving yards:8
Receiving touchdowns:2
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Dion Dawkins (born April 26, 1994) is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Temple.

Contents

Early life and education

Dawkins attended Rahway High School in Rahway, New Jersey where he earned the nickname "the Shnowman." [1] After originally committing to the Cincinnati Bearcats, Dawkins signed with Temple in January 2013. [2]

College career

Dawkins played at Temple from 2013 to 2016, starting 41 of 44 career games. [3] [4] [5] Dawkins was named a First-team All-American Athletic Conference selection after his senior year.

Professional career

Dawkins received an invitation to the Senior Bowl and started at guard for the North team. The North lost 16–15 to the South and he was named the Senior Bowl's top offensive lineman. He improved his draft stock after practicing and performing well during the Senior Bowl. [6] He attended the NFL Combine and completed all of the combine drills and positional drills. At Temple's Pro Day, Dawkins opted to attempt the vertical jump again and added two inches to his number from the Combine. He performed well in the positional drills with 40 scouts and representatives from all 32 NFL teams scouting him and 13 other teammates, including Temple's feature prospect, Haason Reddick. [7] Dawkins had private workouts with four teams, including the San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, and Indianapolis Colts. [8] Dawkins had projections to be a second round pick. [9] [10] He was ranked the second-best guard in the draft by Sports Illustrated , the third-best guard by ESPN, the third-best interior offensive lineman by NFL analyst Mike Mayock, and the fourth-best offensive tackle by NFL analyst Bucky Brooks and NFLDraftScout.com. [11] [12] [13] [14]

Dawkins with the Bills in 2018 Dion Dawkins.jpg
Dawkins with the Bills in 2018
Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 3+78 in
(1.93 m)
314 lb
(142 kg)
35 in
(0.89 m)
9+78 in
(0.25 m)
5.11 s1.79 s2.94 s4.78 s7.30 s26 in
(0.66 m)
8 ft 10 in
(2.69 m)
26 reps
All values from NFL Combine. [15] [16]

The Buffalo Bills selected Dawkins in the second round (63rd overall) of the 2017 NFL draft. [17] Dawkins was the second offensive guard drafted in 2017, behind Western Kentucky guard Forrest Lamp. [18]

On May 19, 2017, the Bills signed Dawkins to a four-year, $4.18 million contract with $1.83 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $1.18 million. [19] He played in all 16 games, starting 11 at left tackle in place of Cordy Glenn. Dawkins received an overall grade of 74.5 from Pro Football Focus in 2017. [20]

Dawkins entered training camp in 2018 slated as the starting left tackle after the Bills traded Cordy Glenn to the Cincinnati Bengals. Head coach Sean McDermott named Dawkins the starting left tackle to begin the regular season in 2018. [21] In Week 10 of the 2018 season, against the New York Jets, Dawkins caught his first career pass, a seven-yard touchdown from quarterback Matt Barkley. [22] He started all 16 games in the 2018 season. [23]

In Week 16 of the 2019 season, against the New England Patriots, Dawkins caught his second touchdown pass from Josh Allen. [24] He started all 16 games in the 2019 season. [25]

On August 13, 2020, Dawkins signed a four-year, $60 million contract extension with the Bills that includes $34 million guaranteed. [26] He started all 16 regular season games and all three postseason games for the Bills in the 2020 season. [27]

In 2021, he began training camp on the COVID-19 reserve list and needed some time to return to playing shape. [28] Dawkins later revealed that he spent four days in the hospital battling the disease calling it "one of the lowest points" of his life. [29] He appeared in 16 games and started 15 in the 2021 season. [30] He was named to his first Pro Bowl for his accomplishments in the 2021 season. [31]

In the 2022 season, Dawkins appeared in and started 15 regular season games and two postseason games for the Bills. [32]

In the 2023 season, Dawkins appeared in and started all 17 regular season games and two postseason games for the Bills. [33] He was ranked 96th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2024. [34]

On March 11, 2024, Dawkins signed a three-year, $60.5 million contract extension with the Bills through the 2027 season. [35]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eric Wood</span> American football player (born 1986)

Eric Wood is an American former professional football player who was a center for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Louisville Cardinals and was selected in the first round of the 2009 NFL draft by the Bills with the 28th overall pick. Wood played nine seasons in the NFL, including a Pro Bowl appearance, before retiring following the 2017 season due to a neck injury. Since 2019, he has been the color commentator and analyst on the Buffalo Bills Radio Network.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stephon Gilmore</span> American football player (born 1990)

Stephon Stiles Gilmore is an American professional football cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks and was selected tenth overall by the Buffalo Bills in the 2012 NFL draft. Gilmore spent his first five seasons with the Bills and earned Pro Bowl honors in 2016 before joining the New England Patriots.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David DeCastro</span> American football player (born 1990)

David William DeCastro is an American former professional football player who was a guard for nine seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Stanford Cardinal, earning unanimous All-American honors. He was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft, and he was considered one of the best guard prospects available. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection with the Steelers.

Johnathan Cyprien American football player (born 1990)

Johnathan Ken Cyprien is an American former professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the FIU Panthers and was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft. Cyprien also played for the Tennessee Titans, Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons, and San Francisco 49ers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ja'Wuan James</span> American football player (born 1992)

Ja'Wuan Amir James is an American professional football offensive tackle who is a free agent. He was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft. He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers. He has also played for the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leonard Floyd</span> American football player (born 1992)

Leonard Cornilus Floyd is an American professional football defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs and was selected by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jack Conklin</span> American football player (born 1994)

Jonathan Jackson Conklin is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan State Spartans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tre'Davious White</span> American football player (born 1995)

Tre'Davious White Sr. is an American professional football cornerback for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the LSU Tigers, earning consensus All-American as a senior in 2016. He was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft. Since earning a starting position as a rookie, White became one of the league's top cornerbacks as part of a resurgent Bills defense, having garnered two Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors. Following three injury-riddled seasons and his subsequent release, White signed with the Rams and got traded to the Ravens at the trade deadline during the 2024 season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Austin Hooper</span> American football player (born 1994)

Austin Manuel Hooper is an American professional football tight end for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Stanford, and was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Deion Jones</span> American football player (born 1994)

Deion Jones is an American professional football linebacker who is a free agent. He played college football for the LSU Tigers, and was selected by Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Xavien Howard</span> American football player (born 1993)

Xavien Howard is an American professional football cornerback. He played college football for the Baylor Bears and was selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft by the Miami Dolphins, where he spent eight seasons with the team. During his tenure in Miami, Howard was a four-time Pro Bowler, a two-time All-Pro member, and led the league in interceptions twice.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zay Jones</span> American football player (born 1995)

Isaiah Avery "Zay" Jones is an American professional football player who is a wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at East Carolina. Jones is the all-time NCAA Division I career receptions leader with 399 as well as the all-time NCAA Division I single-season receptions leader with 158.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Orlando Brown (American football, born 1996)</span> American football player (born 1996)

Orlando Claude Brown Jr. is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Oklahoma, and was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2018 NFL draft. Brown is the son of offensive tackle Orlando Brown, who also played for the Ravens.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan Ramczyk</span> American football player (born 1994)

Ryan Mack Ramczyk is an American professional football offensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Wisconsin Badgers, and was selected by the Saints in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft. A native of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Ramczyk attended four different schools before transferring to Wisconsin–Madison in 2014, where he became an All-American lineman for the Badgers in the 2016 season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Garett Bolles</span> American football player (born 1992)

Garett Bolles is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Utah Utes, and was selected by the Broncos in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft.

Forrest Noah Lamp is a former American football guard. He played college football at Western Kentucky and was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the second round of the 2017 NFL draft, and also played in the National Football League (NFL) for the New Orleans Saints.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Haason Reddick</span> American football player (born 1994)

Haason Samir Reddick is an American professional football linebacker for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Temple, and was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft. He also played for the Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Denzel Ward</span> American football player (born 1997)

Denzel Nehemiah Ward is an American professional football cornerback for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jaire Alexander</span> American football player (born 1997)

Jaire Zakar Alexander is an American professional football cornerback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Louisville Cardinals, and was selected by the Packers in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Harrison Phillips</span> American football player (born 1996)

Harrison Foster Phillips is an American professional football nose tackle for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Stanford Cardinal.

References

  1. Baker, Kelly (August 15, 2018). "20 questions with Bills T Dion Dawkins". BuffaloBills.com. Retrieved April 26, 2022.
  2. Taylor, John (February 6, 2013). "Temple signs 23 to National Letters of Intent". NBC Sports. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  3. Kern, Mike (November 15, 2016). "Temple tackle Dawkins has made most of his chances". Inquirer.com. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  4. Morrison, Bob (November 18, 2016). "Overcoming Adversity: An Inside Look at Temple OT Dion Dawkins –". CBSSports.com. Archived from the original on December 25, 2016.
  5. Narducci, Marc (August 5, 2015). "Dawkins, facing assault trial, ready to contribute for Temple". Inquirer.com. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  6. Berman, Zach (January 27, 2017). "Temple's Haason Reddick, Dion Dawkins stand out at Senior Bowl". Inquirer.com. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  7. Wallen, Ryan (March 9, 2017). "Recap: Temple Pro Day 2017". 247Sports. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  8. "Walter Football: 2017 NFL Draft Prospect Meetings/Visits". walterfootball.com. Archived from the original on August 10, 2018. Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  9. Broback, Joe (April 20, 2017). "2017 NFL Draft Profile: Dion Dawkins, Temple". Underdog Dynasty. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  10. Lericos, Vasilis (February 21, 2017). "2017 NFL Draft prospect profile: Dion Dawkins". Baltimore Beatdown. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  11. Burke, Chris (April 24, 2017). "2017 NFL Draft Rankings: Top Prospects by Position". SI.com. Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  12. Legwold, Jeff (April 22, 2017). "Ranking 2017 Draft's Top 100 Players". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  13. Mayock, Mike (April 12, 2017). "Mike Mayock's 2017 NFL Draft position rankings 3.0". NFL.com. Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  14. Brooks, Bucky (April 25, 2017). "Bucket Brooks' 2017 NFL Draft position rankings 3.0". NFL.com. Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  15. "NFL Events: Combine Player Profiles – Dion Dawkins". NFL.com .
  16. "Temple OT Dion Dawkins: 2017 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile". NFLDraftScout.com. Archived from the original on June 18, 2017. Retrieved May 25, 2017.
  17. "2017 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
  18. Hamilton, Jake (April 28, 2017). "Bills make bold move to land OT Dawkins". BuffaloBills.com.
  19. "Spotrac.com: Dion Dawkins". spotrac.com. Retrieved May 20, 2017.
  20. Gayle, Austin (May 25, 2018). "Second-year players primed for a breakout year in 2018". PFF. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  21. "Ourlads.com: Buffalo Bills Depth Chart: 09/01/2018". Ourlads.com. Retrieved September 25, 2018.
  22. "Buffalo Bills at New York Jets – November 11th, 2018". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
  23. "Dion Dawkins 2018 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  24. "Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots – December 21st, 2019". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
  25. "Dion Dawkins 2019 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  26. Patra, Kevin (August 13, 2020). "Bills sign LT Dion Dawkins to four-year, $60 million extension". NFL.com.
  27. "Dion Dawkins 2020 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  28. Alper, Josh (August 16, 2021). "Sean McDermott: Dion Dawkins "not close to where he needs to be" after stint on COVID-19 list". ProFootballTalk. Retrieved August 16, 2021.
  29. Warren, Matt (August 17, 2021). "Dion Dawkins spent four days in the hospital with COVID-19". Buffalo Rumblings. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  30. "Dion Dawkins 2021 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  31. "2021 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
  32. "Dion Dawkins 2022 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  33. "Dion Dawkins 2023 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  34. Silagyi, Kyle (July 22, 2024). "Bills LT Dion Dawkins earns spot on NFL Top 100 players list for first time". SI.com. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  35. White, Alec; Warren, Patrick (March 11, 2024). "Bills agree to terms with three-time Pro Bowl LT Dion Dawkins on contract extension". BuffaloBills.com.